Synergy

As I reflect in traditional January style on the future of this journal, one word shines brighter than all others: synergy. From the Greek syn-ergo (working together), the term describes a situation where the final outcome of a system is greater than the sum of its parts.1 The sum of our labors is a glorious, top-ranked, vivacious journal that gives as much–if not more–back to the society that sponsors it as it receives in kind from unfettered access to the organization's creative energy, intellectual content, and hyper-talented staff. Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery is owned by the American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery Foundation (AAO-HNSF), a non-profit, educational counterpart of the AAO-HNS. Together, the Academy and Foundation sponsor continuing medical education, professional meetings, new scientific research, and practice management guidance for more than 13,000 ear, nose, and throat specialists in the United States and abroad. As the largest organization of its kind, the AAO-HNS is truly the voice of authority for the specialty. But what's so special about society journals and how does that relate to synergy? Society journals can define an entire healthcare market through direct access to the unique intellectual capital of the staff and membership. The journal's sponsoring society is also an external partner with the publisher, creating a level of interaction and accountability that is unattainable with independent initiatives.2 Societies benefit from market clout that justifies enhanced access to publishing resources and expertise, while publishers benefit from market insights, plus an enhanced profile of electronic platforms (e.g., ScienceDirect). With respect to the last attribute–recognition–I am delighted to acknowledge this year's 10 star peer reviewers based on the quality, quantity, and timeliness of their critiques. My deep appreciation and sincere thanks are extended to these special, uncompensated individuals: Drs. Brian Blakley, Scott Brietzke (two years in a row!), Craig Derkay, Robert Dobie, Joseph Dohar, Ravindhra Elluru, Gregory Farwell, Michael Friedman, Matthew Ryan, and David Stepnick. Recognition is also due to the hundreds of other peer reviewers who generously donate time and expertise. Please refer to their names on the page that follows this editorial. Manuscripts sent to the journal are first assigned to an associate editor, who invites reviewers at a mean of 5 days and renders a first editorial decision at a mean of 30 days. I warmly acknowledge and thank the volunteer superstars who make this possible: Drs. Kenneth Altman, Sanford Archer, Neil Bhattacharyya, Roy Casiano, Marion Couch, Daniel Deschler, Lee Eisenberg, Gady Har-El, Glenn Isaacson, John Krouse, Ronald Kuppersmith, Eric Mair, Scott Manning, Edwin Monsell, Peter Roland, and Mark Wax. Without the subspecialty insights provided by these individuals, my job as editor in chief would be intolerable and simply impossible. The complexity of otolaryngology as a discipline has long surpassed the quaint era when a single editor could comprehend, much less critique, the entire field. The more than 1,500 manuscripts we receive annually are prime examples of synergy between the journal and our sponsoring societies, the AAO-HNS and the American Academy of Otolaryngic Allergy (AAOA). Both societies attract the best and brightest presenters to their annual meetings and much of that content is channeled to the journal for right of first refusal. Synergy at a global scale is made possible by the enthusiastic outreach efforts of Dr. K. J. Lee and Catherine Lincoln of the Academy staff, who have propelled the journal to an international platform of excellence. We work proactively with our national and international partners to solicit must-read content that enhances clinical care and fosters continuing medical education. A special joy in writing the January editorial is printing in boldface the names of special people who consistently give 110 percent effort. So let me heap lavish and sinfully abundant praise on the journal staff at our Academy head-quarters—Jeanne McIntyre, Louanne Wheeler, Dain Oswald, Eileen Cavanagh, and Collin Grabarek. In the true Maslovian concept of self-actualization, having to interact on a near-daily basis with this talented, overachieving group is about as close to “work equals play” as it gets. I must also thank and acknowledge Dr. David Nielsen, the level-five leader who nurtures and retains this wonderful staff at the AAO-HNS. Be it during production telephone calls, electronic communication, or at face-to-face meetings, the synergy between the journal staff and the Elsevier publishing team is truly special. Master of ceremonies Glen Campbell is kind enough to devote to the journal his best publishing director, Christine Rullo. In concert with Ali Gavenda, John Fotia, and Gregory Domke, they polish all journal content to a beautiful luster. Elsevier, in particular, has shown a commitment to society publishing that epitomizes synergy in its finest form. Last year the journal had its highest impact factor ever and reached the lofty perch of best-read otolaryngology journal with the highest ad exposures. The year ahead brings new opportunities for continued excellence, as we solidify relationships and proactively solicit enticing content. The former chairman of Citicorp, Walter Wriston, captured the essence of synergy: “The person who figures out how to harness the collective genius of his or her organization is going to blow the competition away.”4 Let the competition beware.